Steven Gerrard has admitted Liverpool need to move to a new ground in order to compete with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea for the top honours.
The Liverpool midfielder has however said that leaving the club's legendary home Anfield will be an emotional moment for players and supporters alike.
Gerrard said: 'As a player I want to be up there competing for every single trophy we can win.
'When you look at Chelsea, Arsenal and United they are all pulling more punters into the ground than we are and it makes a difference to our revenue over the season. We’re playing catch up every year.
'I can see the pros and cons in the move but for financial reasons, and to win things, the time’s probably come to go for it.
'It will also be a proud moment for me if I get the chance to lead Liverpool into the new era as captain in a new stadium'
Liverpool are desperate for the league title, with their last success nearly two decades ago, while their great rivals Manchester United have won ten titles in the meantime.
But after three months of the season, they are joint leaders of the Premier League with Chelsea, leading many supporters to dream that this could finally be their year.
And Gerrard has insisted Rafa Benitez is still the man to lead Liverpool to title glory.
'That’s all we want as players, to be successful long-term.
'That’s what the manager wants and we’ve got the right man for the job in Rafa. The supporters are used to success and they want more.
'We’ll be working hard to bring as much of that to Anfield between now and whatever date we move on.'
Liverpool have played at Anfield since 1892, and Gerrard is well aware of its history and tradition.
Writing in 'My Captains Book', Gerrard said: 'The big stadium move has been a topic on everyone’s lips ever since the club announced their plans.
'In an ideal world, I wouldn’t want to move away from Anfield because it’s where I used to come to watch Liverpool and it’s a ground that has so many happy memories for me as a player too. I’ve seen and been part of some magical nights there.
'It’ll be a sad moment for me when the gates close on the old place.
'The Liverpool supporter in me says I want to stay at Anfield because it’s the spiritual home. It’s where I came to watch my heroes as a kid and it’s where I always dreamed of playing when I was young and kicking a ball about in Huyton.
'It’s got this sense of history and tradition about it, and I still feel the same walking down and then up the steps on to the pitch as captain today as I did when I made my first start for the team.
'I don't care who you are. This stadium, when it's rocking, affects visiting players – every team to play here in Europe said the same.'
'So with that head on, I’d love us to stay at Anfield, but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture.'
The Liverpool midfielder has however said that leaving the club's legendary home Anfield will be an emotional moment for players and supporters alike.
Gerrard said: 'As a player I want to be up there competing for every single trophy we can win.
'When you look at Chelsea, Arsenal and United they are all pulling more punters into the ground than we are and it makes a difference to our revenue over the season. We’re playing catch up every year.
'I can see the pros and cons in the move but for financial reasons, and to win things, the time’s probably come to go for it.
'It will also be a proud moment for me if I get the chance to lead Liverpool into the new era as captain in a new stadium'
Liverpool are desperate for the league title, with their last success nearly two decades ago, while their great rivals Manchester United have won ten titles in the meantime.
But after three months of the season, they are joint leaders of the Premier League with Chelsea, leading many supporters to dream that this could finally be their year.
And Gerrard has insisted Rafa Benitez is still the man to lead Liverpool to title glory.
'That’s all we want as players, to be successful long-term.
'That’s what the manager wants and we’ve got the right man for the job in Rafa. The supporters are used to success and they want more.
'We’ll be working hard to bring as much of that to Anfield between now and whatever date we move on.'
Liverpool have played at Anfield since 1892, and Gerrard is well aware of its history and tradition.
Writing in 'My Captains Book', Gerrard said: 'The big stadium move has been a topic on everyone’s lips ever since the club announced their plans.
'In an ideal world, I wouldn’t want to move away from Anfield because it’s where I used to come to watch Liverpool and it’s a ground that has so many happy memories for me as a player too. I’ve seen and been part of some magical nights there.
'It’ll be a sad moment for me when the gates close on the old place.
'The Liverpool supporter in me says I want to stay at Anfield because it’s the spiritual home. It’s where I came to watch my heroes as a kid and it’s where I always dreamed of playing when I was young and kicking a ball about in Huyton.
'It’s got this sense of history and tradition about it, and I still feel the same walking down and then up the steps on to the pitch as captain today as I did when I made my first start for the team.
'I don't care who you are. This stadium, when it's rocking, affects visiting players – every team to play here in Europe said the same.'
'So with that head on, I’d love us to stay at Anfield, but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture.'
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